Heading: Overcoming Challenges in the Face of a Cost-of-Living Crisis
Kerry, standing at the threshold of her new residence, watches with joy as her three lively huskies eagerly bound inside, marking a momentous occasion she once thought unattainable. Enduring over a year of homelessness and grappling with unstable housing for five years, the 52-year-old now finds solace in the return of her beloved canine companions – Sheba, Zuca, and Jasper.
The significance of this reunion is not lost on Kerry, as she recounts her son’s poignant observation, “Mum, your mental health is gonna just totally do a 180 when you get the dogs back.” These furry friends hold a special place in her heart, providing not just companionship but also emotional support during tumultuous times.
Facilitated by a crisis charity, the husky trio found their way to Kerry’s new social housing in Adelaide. This intervention became necessary when Kerry, a single mother to two teenage sons, faced eviction from their pet-friendly abode due to a rent increase in 2019. The rental market’s unforgiving nature had forced Kerry to make a heart-wrenching decision – to surrender her pets or risk losing their home.
Despite the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis and the harsh realities of the rental market, Kerry’s story stands as a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. The unwavering support of charitable organizations and the unwavering bond between a pet owner and her furry companions have triumphed over adversity, illuminating a path of hope and renewal in the face of adversity.
Kerry embraces Sheba in the backyard of their recent residence. Unable to secure an affordable rental in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis while relying on a disability support pension that accommodates pets, the family has been moving between emergency lodgings, motels, and temporary social housing. Kerry found herself in a situation where she had to give up her cherished dogs when seeking refuge in a homeless shelter, fearing they might be euthanized. In a state of distress, she reached out to her friend Jen Howard, the founder of Safe Pets Safe Families. Kerry, 52, has now been reunited with her pets after enduring over a year of homelessness.
Challenges of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on Pet-Friendly Rentals
Back in 2012, when the family welcomed their first of three dogs, Adelaide’s rental market looked vastly different in terms of affordability and the acceptance of tenants with pets.
During that period, the median weekly rental price in Adelaide stood at $300, with a vacancy rate peaking at 1.9 per cent.
Fast forward to January 2024, and the scenario has drastically changed, with the city’s median rent soaring to $637, while vacancy rates plummeted to a mere 0.5 per cent.
Impact of Cost-of-Living Crisis on Pet Owners in the Rental Market
Kerry eagerly watches as her huskies explore their new yard at the social house she recently secured after a lengthy five-year search. The joy on her face is evident as her beloved pets finally have a safe space to roam. This heartwarming scene highlights the importance of pet-friendly housing policies in precarious living situations.
According to research by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, the lack of pet-friendly housing options poses a significant challenge for individuals seeking safer living conditions amidst the cost-of-living crisis. Associate Professor Debbie Faulkner, from the University of South Australia’s Centre for Markets, Values, and Inclusion, emphasizes the critical need for more accommodating policies based on the 2021 study she contributed to.
Professor Faulkner underscores the difficulties faced by individuals on income support or pensions due to the escalating rental prices. She notes that affording basic necessities, let alone caring for a pet, has become nearly impossible for many. Despite these challenges, she highlights the immense benefits of pet ownership, especially for vulnerable populations.
For individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, their pets often serve as their sole source of companionship and unconditional love. Professor Faulkner emphasizes the profound impact of pets on well-being, making it essential to address the barriers they face in securing private rentals. She points out that existing accommodation options, such as crisis housing or boarding houses, often do not cater to pet owners, further exacerbating the housing crisis.
Kerry’s mental health deteriorated during the 15 months she spent apart from her huskies, underscoring the emotional toll of having to surrender pets due to housing restrictions. The story of Kerry and her huskies sheds light on the urgent need for more inclusive housing policies to support individuals navigating the challenges of the rental market during the cost-of-living crisis.
Embracing Unconditional Affection
For Kerry, the decision to welcome a furry companion into her family was a long-awaited one. She had patiently anticipated the moment when she could introduce her sons to the joys of having a pet.
Having escaped a tumultuous environment marred by family violence and having endured a traumatic childhood, Kerry was determined to create a secure and loving home for her new four-legged friend.
Jasper, the Healing Companion for a Family Overcoming Trauma
Kerry and her sons found solace in Jasper, a 12-year-old husky, amidst the turmoil of domestic abuse, as reported by ABC News’ Alana Calvert. Kerry expressed her frustration with traditional counseling methods, stating that they did not provide the relief her family needed. However, the introduction of Jasper into their lives brought about a remarkable transformation. Kerry observed a significant improvement in her sons’ well-being, noting their increased happiness and sense of calmness. She acknowledged Jasper’s role in fostering healing within their family, reflecting on how having a dog like him earlier could have positively impacted their lives.
Following Jasper’s positive influence, Kerry and her family decided to expand their furry companionship by adopting two more rescue huskies. Little did they know that more challenges awaited them ahead.
Notably, Jasper learned to assist Kerry by waking her up from night terrors, showcasing the profound bond and support he provided to the family during their healing journey.
Rising Incidence of ‘Hidden Homelessness’
According to Associate Professor Faulkner, the current cost-of-living crisis has worsened the housing situation due to a decrease in available social and public housing. Unlike the rental market, social housing has historically been more pet-friendly.
She noted, “About 15 to 20 years ago, there was a more substantial supply of social housing compared to the demand. In the past, individuals in public housing were allowed to have pets. However, the extensive waiting lists for social housing today make it nearly impossible for pet owners to secure accommodation.”
This dire situation has led to a surge in ‘hidden homelessness,’ where individuals resort to living in their cars or staying with others due to the lack of suitable housing options.
Professor Faulkner’s research also revealed a notable increase in pet surrenders during periods of housing crisis, highlighting the impact of the rental market on pet owners.
Impact of Cost-of-Living Crisis and Rental Market on Surrender Pets
Zuca and Sheba explore their new backyard at the social house, reuniting with Kerry. The surge in surrenders due to the cost-of-living crisis and competitive rental market is evident across Adelaide-based rescue centers.
Adelaide rescue centers are overwhelmed, unable to meet the escalating demand for rehoming pets. The Animal Welfare League (AWL) of South Australia faces overcapacity issues, with lengthy waitlists for rehoming animals. Sadly, fewer stray pets are being reclaimed by their owners.
Scruffers Lovers, a volunteer-run rescue charity, notes that the cost-of-living pressures and the competitive rental market are driving the increase in surrendered pets. Safe Pets, Safe Families founder, Jennifer Howard, expresses the emotional toll of the crisis.
“Returning animals like Kerry brings me hope,” Ms. Howard shares. However, the overwhelming demand for assistance leaves many cases unattended. The current homelessness crisis deeply affects pet owners, highlighting the profound bond between them and their pets.
A Place to Call Home
Returning to Kerry’s recently acquired residence, she embraces and showers affection on her dogs, feeling a sense of immense relief, acknowledging her fortunate circumstances amidst the cost-of-living crisis and challenges in the rental market.
Similar to numerous individuals who provide shelter to rescued dogs, Kerry firmly believes that it is the pets who rescue them in return, especially during times when some individuals are forced to surrender pets due to financial constraints.
The Heartwarming Gesture of a Doormat Turned Wall Art
Jen Howard’s thoughtful house-warming present to Kerry took the form of a doormat featuring Kerry’s three beloved huskies. Rather than using it as intended, Kerry decided to frame the doormat and proudly display it on her wall, cherishing the memory and sentiment behind the gift. This act symbolized the deep bond between Kerry and her furry companions.
“To have my dogs back is everything,” Kerry expresses, highlighting the profound joy and comfort her pets bring into her life. She emphasizes the significant role animals play in mental health, underscoring the lack of adequate support in this area. Kerry believes that the connection between animals and well-being is substantial and deserves more recognition and assistance.
Reflecting on the pivotal role Jen Howard played in reuniting her with her dogs, Kerry acknowledges that without Jen’s intervention, she wouldn’t have her beloved pets today. Grateful for her beautiful home and the presence of her cherished huskies, Kerry affectionately refers to them as her babies, illustrating the deep emotional connection she shares with her furry family members.
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